FAQs

Here are some of the more Frequently Asked Questions we receive at SOS Technologies in reference to emergency oxygen, AEDs, CPR and OSHA compliance.

For questions in relation to how to successfully operate equipment and engage in compliance training specific to your company’s needs, let’s talk today at 1.888.705.6100 or info@sos4safety.com

What are the legal requirements for maintaining an emergency oxygen unit?
Federal regulations regarding refillable oxygen cylinders require testing of the cylinder every five (5) years, but only if and when the cylinder is refilled. This is accomplished by refilling agencies like SOS Technologies. Unless you are a certified refilling site, you should NOT refill your own cylinders. Disposable cylinders do not have this requirement, but MUST NOT be refilled under any circumstances. All SOS Emergency Oxygen Inhalator Units receive service and maintenance by our trained technicians every six months. The Oxygen Units can also be serviced and refilled after emergency use.

How much oxygen should I have on hand?
In most circumstances a 30 to 45 minute supply is sufficient.A good rule of thumb is to determine what the average EMS response time is to your facility, (national statistics show an average EMS response time of eight to twelve minutes) and have enough Emergency Oxygen to last twice as long as the aforementioned response time.

Who in our company would use an AED and are they complicated to operate?
AED’s require minimal training, even for responders who know nothing more than CPR. Safety officers, on-site physicians and nurses, security guards, office and industrial workers – anyone who is in a position to rapidly respond to a medical emergency can be selected and trained to operate an AED. SOS Technologies provides comprehensive training solutions to assist companies with implementing AED programs.

Aren’t AED’s expensive?
Not really. Technological advances in defibrillator design circuitry and battery technology have reduced the cost of AED devices. The high cost of early AED’s, with prices ranging between $5,000 and $10,000, once posed a significant barrier to widespread deployment. Today, the equipment we offer is smaller, more reliable and lighter than anything previously on the market – and usually costs less that $4,000 per unit.

Is there an increased risk of liability for using an AED?
According to the American Heart Association, to date, no known judgment has been rendered against the operator of and AED for negligent or improper use of AED’s. According to a recent article on AED’s and legal liability published by Air and Space Lawyer (a publication of the American Bar Association) “liability claims associated with the negligent operation of AED’s are mitigated by the difficulty in establishing that the operator proximately caused harm to the victim… The AED operator is attempting to resuscitate an individual who, absent the AED, will likely remain dead.” By contrast, several recent cases indicate that corporations may face liability for failing to have an AED available to treat a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. For example, a Florida jury found Busch Gardens negligent for not properly training its employees to provide emergency care – and for failing to have essential medical equipment, including a defibrillator, on the premises. The plaintiff was awarded $500,000.00 in damages for the death of her teenage daughter at the amusement park.

Do CPR techniques differ depending on the age of the victim?
Yes! These differences are addressed in the CPR classes from SOS Technologies and can be quite significant. Keep in mind that CPR can be lifesaving, but it is best performed by those who have been trained in an accredited CPR course.

What’s the penalty for violating an OSHA standard?
OSHA penalties range from $0 to $70,000, depending upon how likely the violation is to result in serious harm to workers. Serious violations may have penalties up to $7,000. Repeat and willful violations may have penalties as high as $70,000.

About Us

With SOS, it isn’t just about saving one life. At SOS Technologies, we understand that it only takes one life to touch so many others. We make every effort to save the lives of co-workers, spouses, children and friends. If their life means a lot to you, it means a lot to us. Which is why we've provided equipment for happier, healthier lives for over 40 years. Read More